Google set to remove news links in Canada, Meta ends contract for journalism fellowship as Bill C-18 fallout continues

Google says it will remove news links in Canada because of the Liberal government's new law forcing digital giants to compensate media outlets for content they share or otherwise repurpose online.

Google said Thursday it will remove links to Canadian news on its platforms in Canada because of the Liberal government's new law, which forces digital giants to compensate media outlets for content they share or otherwise repurpose online.

In response, the tech giant said it will remove Canadian news links from Google News -- a personalized aggregator service available by web or app that highlights local news -- and from Google Discover, a feature on mobile phones that helps people find content.

Only Canadian news will be blocked, so Canadian users will still be able to see content from Fox News or BBC, for example.

The company said it will also end Google News Showcase in Canada, a product the company uses to license news from over 150 local publishers. Those existing deals will not be impacted until the company ends News Showcase.

Google said it has informed the Liberal government of its decision. It did not say exactly when it will remove news, but it will happen before the law comes into force. The law passed last week and will come into effect by the end of the year.

Meta made a similar announcement last week, saying that it will remove news from social media platforms Facebook and Instagram before the law is in force. It is also ending existing deals with local publishers.

Meta is already running a test to block news for up to five per cent of its Canadian users. Google ran a similar test earlier this year.